10 Reasons Why Families Should Exercise Together

 

 

What better way to get fit then to get fit as a family!

There are many reasons to exercise as a family unit but here are Fit American Families Top 10 Reasons Why Families Should Exercise Together.

# 10. Build family bonds.

Happy families have strong family bonds. Parents, as the leaders of the family unit, have to be responsible for strengthening and protecting these bonds. It doesn't happen naturally in our hectic day-to-day lives. Exercising together is a lesson in discipline and family allegiance, and it requires leadership and commitment to your family.  Share this family bond with other families, whether this is within your community or your church, being with other families will strengthen your own family bonds.

#9. Create traditions.

Traditions are practices or beliefs that create positive feelings and are repeated at regular intervals. Often traditions are handed down from generation to generation, but every family can create its own traditions as well, how about a Family Game Night but this type of game requires physical activity like Kickball or a game of Pickle.

 

#8. Create memories that your child remember for a lifetime and pass on to their children

Family rituals help define who is in our family and who we are as a family. It allows time for the family to get together, to share experiences with one another, and to reconnect with each other. Knowing that the family will have time together can help us deal with those times when we are apart. Even though parents may work, children can know that each evening, each weekend (or whenever works for your family) they will have some “special time” with you.

#7. Encourage support for each other.

Encouragement requires communication, verbal and non-verbal communication. Embrace in the moments when your child makes a basket or when dad can run around the block. Kids need and want encouragement from you and kids also love to give YOU encouragement!

#6. Laugh together.

The famous saying "families that play together stay together" could also extend to include families that play together have fun together. Exercise is not a chore it is fun if you have the right mindset, every book and exercise I have developed is with fun and laughter, in other words, parents having a fun time together with their family, says more to your children then buying them the latest video game. Play is not just for kids.  You are never too old to participate in wholesome, fun, recreational activities, and doing so has benefits.

#5. Grow together, learn new sport or skills together.

Have fun learning a new skill or sport together as a family it reinforces your strong family bond.  

#4. Exercise more.

Schedule in family time. Look at everyone’s schedule, and make a commitment, put it on the calendar. It’s a great way to get your heart pumping, burn calories and have fun together.

#3. Motivate each other to exercise harder or longer.

When a family member is too tired or stressed out to be physically active, offer support and motivation to encourage them to spend time with you.

#2. You become a role model.

Your children are a direct reflection of you, your attitude's, beliefs and actions. As a parent you serve as one of the strongest role models in your children's life.

#1 Reason to Exercise as a Family is ...

Spend quality time as a family, its a magical time together.

Regular family time is key to building and maintaining family bonds. A recent report stated the average parent spends only 16 minutes each day with one on one individual attention! Parents and children should aim to spend 60 minutes of exercise together each day. When you are exercising together you can share things that are happening in your life, and ask lots of questions about things your children are interested in. Our family teaches us how to function in the world. It should provide love and warmth to all of its members. A strong family gives its members the support they need to make it through life’s toughest spots. Perhaps most importantly, exercising together brings families together. It gives parents and children the opportunity to have meaningful conversations and to really get to know one another. Often, parents find that devoting time to exercising with their kids prompts natural discussions about personal discipline and how it relates to life.